Proficiency in Laparoscopic Training: online versus Onsite Suturing Courses.

Area of Science:

• Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery
• Surgical Education Technology
• Medical Simulation

Background:

• Laparoscopic suturing is a critical yet challenging skill in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery.
• The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted limitations of traditional in-person surgical training.
• This study evaluates online simulation versus conventional onsite training for laparoscopic suturing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of an online simulation-based laparoscopic suturing course with a traditional onsite training program.
• To assess improvements in surgical skill metrics including precision, knot quality, and task completion time.

Main Methods:

• A prospective observational study involving 151 gynecology trainees from January 2020 to October 2023.
• Trainees were divided into an onsite group (n=62) and an online group (n=89).
• Pre- and post-course assessments measured surgical performance, with statistical analysis comparing outcomes.

Main Results:

• Both onsite and online courses led to significant improvements in suturing precision and time.
• The onsite group demonstrated greater improvement in knot quality and overall scores.
• The online group exhibited higher baseline precision and slightly larger precision gains.

Conclusions:

• Both onsite and online laparoscopic suturing courses effectively enhance surgical technical performance.
• Onsite training offered a slight advantage, likely due to direct, real-time feedback.
• Online simulation presents a scalable and accessible alternative for surgical skill development, particularly in resource-constrained environments.